Michigan · Metropolitan Area
Howard City is a small town in Michigan with a population of 1,683. Residents earn $52,663 per year, which is 30% below the national average.
Based on current data, Howard City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Howard City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Howard City is $52,663, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 15.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
The median home value in Howard City is $143,800, 49% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $708 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Howard City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches, including 72.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 98.3% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.7% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $52,663 |
| 30% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $26,087 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $909 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,319 |
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 15.5% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,086 |
| County GDP | $2,158M |
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 122 |
| Retail | 201 |
| Manufacturing | 74 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,619 |
| 32% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
| Commute Time | 30.5 min |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
| Census Median | $143,800 |
| 49% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $266,259 |
| Median List Price | $165,000 |
| Median List Price | $165,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $219 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
| Census Median Rent | $708 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,619 |
| 32% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,730/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 122 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 36.7 inches |
| 4% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 72.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 882 ft (269 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 695/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3933°N, 85.4661°W |
| County FIPS | 26117 |
Winner: Republican by 39 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 8.0% |
| 76% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 88.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.23 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 695/sq mi |
| Total Area | 2.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 8 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 122 |
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Retail Stores | 201 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Commute | 30.5 min |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |